Ford Focus diesel the best choice for families

Ford Focus diesel is the best family hatchback to drive that’s if you haven’t driven Ford Focus ST instead, but for most buyers the diesel version will be the best choice. It’s frugal and practical and is the best diesel hatchback to drive.

The Ford Focus is one of the top selling models in the UK helped by the fact it comes with a range of efficient diesel engines. All cars offer decent build quality, comfortable cabin and good handling as it comes infive-door hatch and estate body styles.

The two engines are; a 1.6 TDCi and 2.0 TDCi with the first one available in 93bhp,113bhp and 103bhp forms and the 2.0 TDCi in 138bhp and 160 bhp respectively. The base 1.6 TDCi 93bhp only comes in Edge trim while the 113bhp version comes in Edge, Zetec, Zetec Navigator, Zetec S and all Titanium models.

The Ford Focus diesel has been made to provide ultimate comfort and efficiency in mind, but still being enjoyable to drive. It’s more exciting than a Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf due to its quick steering, strong grip and sharp steering. Focus is quiet at motorway speeds and has decent interior and suspensions absorbs bumps very smoothly.

It still has an edge over its rivals for handling. All diesel versions of the Focus emit less than 134g/km of CO2, which is pretty good if you consider how large the engine range is, and these emissions are the same whether you choose the hatchback or the estate version.

The best car in the range for efficiency is the 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic 88g. As its name suggests, it has tax-free emissions of 88g/km, and also has claimed economy of 83.1mpg.  You get lots of equipment and accessories as standard and for a price tag that doesn’t break the bank. The Zetec Navigation model adds satellite navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB connection.

Plenty of Ford Focus’s can be found in used car market which means servicing and parts are cheap, but it depreciates rather quickly.